The arrival of warmer weather means more time outside for you and your pets. But even in your own back yard, there are some potential hazards that could get in the way of your summer fun. Many common plants and flowers found in the house, in your backyard and around the neighborhood can be poisonous to pets. Some rodent poisons as well as snail and slug bait can be deadly to unwary and curious pets.Even chemical fertilizers and mulches can result in sickness and possibly death.To protect your pet, simply use common sense and take the same precautions you would with a child. Although rodent poisons and insecticides are the most common sources of companion animal poisoning, there are many less common but potentially toxic agents that should be avoided at all costs.
Poison Control & Emergency Veterinary Care It's always a good idea to have on hand the phone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary hospital, and poison control. If you suspect poisoning, call the ASPCA's Poison Control Hotline (1-888-426-4435, fee) or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680, fee), or contact us immediately. Check out or web site for a comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants, complete with pictures!We also have links to local emergency clinics if it is after hours. Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is deadly if consumed in even small quantities; one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. We recommend pet owners use safe (pet friendly) antifreeze in their vehicles. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safe for animals if ingested in small amounts. Ethylene glycol can also be found in common household products like snow globes, so be sure to keep these things out the reach of animals.If you suspect your pet has consumed any amount of antifreeze containing ethylene glycol, consider this an emergency and seek veterinarian treatment immediately! Cocoa mulch Cocoa mulch is made from the shell of the cocoa bean and contains ingredients that can be deadly to pets if ingested. Like chocolate (also poison to dogs), cocoa mulch contains theobromine and caffeine and can cause serious stomach issues or even seizures if ingested.The mulch, sold in garden supply stores, has a chocolate scent that is appetizing to some animals, especially curious young puppies.
Fertilizers and Herbicides Before applying a chemical to your lawn or in your yard, consider whether natural, organic or chemical-free remedies such as those described by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality might be just as effective for your intended use.
Store all fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides in their original packaging and away from pets.
Be sure to read labels before application; over application can lead to excess residue.
Cover or remove outdoor food bowls, water dishes, pet toys and bird baths before any chemical application.
Do not let your pets in the yard while applying chemicals. Wait until chemicals have dried and even up to four days after application before allowing a pet into the area. Pets who lick their paws after walking on treated areas can be poisoned. Always check with the manufacturer and read package directions before applying any product in an area frequented by pets.
Insecticides and Pesticides These products tend to be more toxic to pets than fertilizers and herbicides, so be even more cautious with them. Ingestion of any amount of insecticide or pesticide should be considered an emergency, please seek treatment immediately.
Store all insecticides and pesticides in their original packaging and away from pets. The National Pesticide Information Center (800-858-7378) can help you make informed decisions about pesticide use.
The most dangerous forms of pesticides include: slug and snail bait (containing metaldehyde), fly bait (containing methomyl), systemic insecticides (containing disyston or disulfoton), mole or gopher bait (containing zinc phosphide), and most forms of rat poisons.
Store all insecticides and pesticides in their original packaging and away from pets at all times.
Dogs can be attracted to slug bait that contains metaldehyde. Signs of poisoning include tremors, seizures, shaking, vomiting, hyper-salivation, rapid heart rate, and abdominal pain. If your pet ingests slug bait, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Natural alternatives to insecticides and pesticides include:
Diatomaceous Earth: This is made from fossilized remains of one-celled algae. It feels like talcum powder, but scratches and absorbs the wax layer on a bug's surface, leaving it to die from dehydration.
Fermenting Liquid: Set out shallow containers of yeast, water and spoiled yogurt or beer, and bury the container flush with the soil surface. Slugs love the scent of yeast and will become stuck in the container.
Flea and Tick Control Products A common cause of pet poisoning in the summer months is improper use or application of flea and tick control products. Use such products responsibly and according to package instructions. Overuse and misuse can be deadly.
Never apply 45-65% permethrin "spot-on" products (such as Advantix) to cats, even in small amounts. Highly concentrated permethrin can be extremely toxic to cats. If you have both dogs and cats in your household, you should be aware that using a permethrin "spot-on" product on a dog may cause illness or death in a household cat. Never use flea medications intended for a dog on a cat instead. It is important to use only flea and tick products specifically designed for cats, and to administer the proper dosage. All flea and tick "spot-on" products, even ones with nearly identical brand names, are not alike. Check the label to identify the active ingredient before you apply it.
Poisonous Plants Ingestion of even small amounts of certain plants (for example, rhododendron or azalea, oleander, lily, or yew) can be harmful or fatal to a pet. Please check out our lists of Toxic and Non-Toxic plants (complete with photos and description) at our website. Symptoms of plant poisoning include:
Irritation to skin and/or mouth
Diarrhea
Seizures
Unconsciousness
Vomiting (Please note that vomiting is common after cats or dogs ingest plant material. Please contact us especially if vomiting accompanies other symptoms.)